I G Spencer by Clara Spencer
Today, I turn to a subject many of you know about. Survival.
Survival in the Appalachian mountains has never been easy, especially for our ancestors. It has always required a lot of effort and a willingness and knowledge to do just about anything. As they say, you got to learn to be a jack of all trades.
My grandfather I G Spencer (1893-1957) was a prime example of this mountain philosophy. A farmer who acquired a wife and family at a young age, he quickly realized the need for a little extra income. As a result, he decided to try his hand at photography (approximately 1915). There weren’t a lot of photographers back in these hills at that time, so he though it might be a good way to make a little extra income.
Sometime during WWI though, however, good quality chemicals for developing photos became difficult to get and he sadly gave up photography.
I thought I would share a few of his photos with you. Enjoy!
